The Red Box

by Laura Sgarella

  “I don’t sleep a wink tonight. I am obsessed with Amstel number ten. Such a vicious old lady. He totally muddled me up. She follows the shadow of Hell…”

  “Listen Araon. I have found a way to enter her flat. A pest control can be made once I come back to Amsterdam. As a doctor I am allowed to attend the work. I will be able to see if there are memories of Ida Itch. The relationship between the two of them must have been very weird. Maybe Ida attended the house just to keep the lady company, nothing more. And she must have been entering the flat from the back of the house because according to recent research, nobody has never been seen there except the old lady. But I will be back to you shortly. Now I have to stop chatting. My wife thought I was a sleepwalker the other night because I was out of bed. She will think the same now since she is sleeping divinely. She enjoyed herself a lot among the waves of the sea. I don’t dislike the sea but I am looking forward to visiting Athens. My wife had definitely a terrific idea to bring me here. It’s so cool to stay away from my office and from the complaining patients for a while. What about Jill? Is she OK?”

  “She has to do an ultrasound very soon. Her general condition of health is good. I also have to do a general check-up. My clavicle aches as if I have a fracture. Apart from this our happiness is thriving. We are doing our countdown to our trip to London.”

  “Oh yes. I remember your friends. They are astonishingly generous.”

  “They are indeed. I am so embarrassed by their generosity. There is nothing we can do to express gratitude to them.”

  “Consider that a blessing from the afterworld. Never blame yourself not to be so precious as you wish. They will understand. Sorry now I go to calm my tiredness down. Call me whenever you need me. You are my best friend you know. Goodnight.”

  “Good night Van der Baast.”

  Araon made a gesture of impatience. He turned around in his bed until he realized it was seven am. He pretended to be sleeping when Jill woke up and went to have a shower. He could hear her lovingly singing. He saw her picking a yellow dress, the credit card and left immediately without a small wink to Araon. He was now free for his own well-being. He ate the remains of Jill’s breakfast, cleaned himself from top to toe and went his own way as usual. The mirror had previously reproached with sockets and bags under the eyes while he was thinking where the hell Jill had bought that gorgeous dress. How stupid; they bought it together! Now he enjoyed his wandering along Amsterdam so close to the worries of the previous night. It was difficult to him not to be concentrated on Ida Itch and the old lady’s relationship. What must have happened when Ida disappeared from home? Why didn’t the old lady report it to the police? All these concerns were hidden in his mind. He started to believe he was on the right track, close to the solution of that crime. He lost attention from his mental quarrels because of some work in progress in the street.

  “Hey, man: are you blind?” a worker shouted at him.

  “Sorry, I didn’t sleep last night and I am a bit dumb,” were the first words that Araon would successfully utter.

  “We didn’t want to be rude. It was just for your safety. Please, go to the other side of the street where you are free to walk,” said the man more relaxed. Araon struck the right way yawning and staggering. He nearly didn’t know where he was. A black coffee to sip was the right solution. He stopped at the first snack bar but he felt he wouldn’t stay there long. He saw reality as a black thing. He was confusing the candour of the sun’s rays with the bleakness of the moonlight. Useless to say he took the right decision to go back to St. Luciensteeg Street after he gulped down that wonderful coffee.

  As soon as he arrived home, he noticed some letters under the door. They were the pass for the flight to London and the taxi. ‘Love, Phil’, were the last words. That gift gave him the shivers. He was only waiting for Jill to arrive and to share the joy at the kept promise from Phil.

  Suddenly Jill appeared behind him. She was holding a golden frame.

  “Hi Araon. What’s the matter? You arrived home before me.”

  “Yes, Jill. I was a bit tired. Is this a gift for Samantha and Phil?”

  “Of course it is. I had to rack my brain to figure out something to present a couple who has everything.”

  “But look, we have just received the flight tickets and the booking of the taxi at our arrival in London. I’m looking forward to being there. In our little library we can find a comprehensive map of the city.”

  “But Araon we won’t need it. Phil and Samantha will be our tour guides all the time. Anyway, if you feel safer take it. You look very tired. You were pretending to sleep this morning when I went out. You don’t deceive me. I think the best thing to do for you is to have a medium cooked steak, some salad and to conceal your wisdom from me for a while. You know what I mean.”

  “That’s true Jill.”

  And he fell down. Jill adored him. but there was something weird about him. He was not the same man she had met twenty years before. His face was depicted with mystery. ‘Murder’ was the first deliberations of Jill. “Yes he is in trouble because he has witnessed a murder and he had not the courage to report it to the police. What an idiot! Why should I read such a tremendous secret in his face? He was tired because he didn’t sleep in the night and it was not the mosquitos’ fault. Or maybe he is just anxious over the responsibility of growing a child and my mother instinct doesn’t help me to think positive. Well, I decided to be mute. If he has a secret it’s just for my wellbeing. I go in front of the mirror and exercise myself to set an argument. You told me that. No, it’s not clear – You told me why – Not at all – OK, enough is enough – Oh my goodness, why should I argue with him? Sometimes I feel I want to cry. I’m in London next week and I’m going to cry. What a fuss! I am not going to tie my hair in a sign of respect for Araon. I have no doubts about his integrity. Oh my God. The phone is ringing. Hopefully Araon won’t hear it.

  “Hello?”

  “Hi it’s Van der Baast, is that Jill?”

  “Yes my doctor. Do you want to talk to Araon.? He is enjoying a deep sleep because of a sleepless night. I will tell him to contact you back as soon as he awakes.”

  “It’s not necessary Jill. I just wanted to let him know that I will widen my holidays in Greece for another four days after the end of the bank holiday. My wife asked me for these arrangements. This would mean we won’t see each other until the end of your stay in London. By the way: how are you? I’m happy you haven’t told me about ups and downs any more.”

  “Yes, it’s true. But sometimes I cry like a child. Maybe because of a huge sense of responsibility a child brings in a couple’s life. Araon and myself want to be perfect parents. This is our highest ambition. Now a certain exhilaration dominates my mood and moments of immense joy are shared with Araon. There is no huger joy than being a mother. Only if you experience it you can understand it. OK, don’t forget the epidural.”

  “Of course I won’t, Jill. Everything will go well. Sorry, my wife is calling me. Don’t forget to tell Araon about the extension of my holidays. See you soon.”

  “See you Van der Baast.”

  And Jill was worried. She went immediately to check if Araon had heard her talking in privacy and she felt relieved to see him still fast asleep. And now she heard the answer machine: “Don’t bring with you dresses and cosmetics. You will find it all in your flat when you arrive. Love, Phil.” Jill was astounded about the brief message. She was going to start a brand-new life as a millionaire.

  Finally, she heard some noise. It was Araon. who had just got up. “Hi Jill, I still need to yawn. Give me a kiss.”

  Jill was a bit cold but she didn’t refuse to cuddle her husband. “How long have I slept?”

  “Just two hours and a half. Do you feel better now?”

  “Definitely, Jill.”

  “You know Araon, when you were in bed, Van der Baast phoned to inform us that he will stay in Greece another four days and we probably won’t see each other until we come ba
ck from London. And, apart from that, the answer machine had a message from Phil who told us not to bring dresses or cosmetics with us: we will find everything there in our flat. Aren’t they lovely? I guess we have not to bring nightdresses, pyjamas and slippers as well. Maybe our suitcase will be empty. Our only concern will be to bring the golden frame to Samantha and Phil. The more I know the more I feel anxious. I am not used to the jet set.”

  “Yes, Jill. Sorry, I didn’t want to interrupt you.”

  “We will get used to a millionaire life very soon. I have always dreamt of having a life like that since I was a child. My mum used to tell me the Cinderella fairytale. I liked the idea of marrying a prince, but I didn’t like the idea of giving up working once married. I consider myself a career woman and I want to earn by myself the money I have.”

  Fff…fffff. A sudden whistle made Jill frightened. “Oh my God! The old lady. Isn’t it?” She went to look out of the window and the door but nobody was there. Another fax arrived. It said: Do not worry, guys. It’s’ me; Phil. I like to make jokes to my friends. When you are in London, I will show you how the whistle worked.”

  Jill and Araon laughed loudly. They tried to imagine how the trick was done but they only understood that there was some electricity that caused the noise but they couldn’t figure out the meaning of it. “Maybe it’s one of the indefinite ways to show they are waiting for us,” said Jill.

  “Maybe. It’s true. I expect other tricks and jokes once we are in London.”

  “Yes, Araon. And, to conclude, massage my feet.”

  “This is a good idea. I go to wash my face to remove the torpor of my sleep and I’ll be immediately with you.”

  “Hey, Araon.”

  “Yes, Jill?”

  “What about a joyful walk in a while if you wish?”

  “It’s up to you. Now let me massage your feet.”

  Those moments of Jill and Araon’s life were the cloak of their emotions. They were stranger and stranger and stranger every day. They enjoyed themselves there in the little nest of St. Luciensteeg Street. With great joy some music could be heard. “What’s this? It’s coming from the machine,” said Araon a bit frightened.

  “Let me check. There is a message from Phil: it’s just a joke. Don’t live it as a trouble. I switched on the alarm clock music and transmitted it via fax. I like to entertain people.”

  Araon had mixed feelings. He was amazed and happy at the same time. He was bewitched by the mystery of high technology. It was something he expected to be amazed by thanks to a friend like Phil. “Sweetheart there is a message from Phil. It says it was an alarm clock he switched on as a joke. I hope you have enjoyed it.”

  “I loved it, my dear Araon. I see you a little worried because you consider Phil’s manners show a lack of respect of our privacy. All things he does are made with intrusion. The only person he wants to hold as his possession is Samantha”.

  “Be quiet. We will have a great time in London.”

  The phone rang. “Hi Araon. It’s Phil. Sorry about my jokes. They were just innocent jokes. I’m calling to know if you are ready for the big adventure in London. It’s a question of a few days and we will meet each other again. Now I am alone in my room. Samantha is having a rest in the swimming pool room. She is tired because we had a business appointment this morning. I don’t remember what it is to be on holiday mean, even in the summer. What about you and what about Jill?”

  “We are in our little flat doing nothing. Jill sometimes aches in the tummy and I make her relax with massages. We are looking forward to seeing you again.”

  “The same with us. Let me know if you want a limousine or a vintage car to pick you up at the airport. You can read the leaflet on my plane so that you can organize yourself as you like. I suggest that you shouldn’t bring too much money with you. I will provide you with everything.”

  “Thank you for your kindness. I think Jill would prefer the limousine.”

  “Thank you. You will have it. Bye and see you soon.”

  “Bye Phil.”

  Araon hesitated a few moments before he could talk. “Jill it was Phil.”

  “I understood it. He asked what car we would like to pick us up at the airport and I’m glad you answered, I adore the limousine. We can drink and sip some champagne and be isolated from the rest of the world. Did he say anything else?”

  “Yes. He recommended me to read the leaflet on his plane. Apparently, it is not a big plane. There is a room for ten people, a kitchen and a bathroom. Food is served at high altitude. Food and drinks are accompanied by the screening of a movie and joyful music. Hopefully we won’t deal with the jet lag. Here are the tickets for the concert of Keb Mami and a brief leaflet with all the information about places of interest in London. And there is also the key of our flat in Mayfair. It’s quite a long way from where they live.”

  “Everything is perfect Araon. I already see myself on the plane. The doorbell rang and a small dark girl brought a bunch of roses with a ticket. She gave it to Jill and went away immediately.

  “For Jill and little Rokin. Samantha.”

  “Araon, can you see? It is a gift from Samantha for me and our little Rokin. I will place it near the roses you bought for me. They haven’t wilted yet. It’s a sign of your enduring love for me Araon.”

  “Yes, Jill. The same will happen with Samantha’s roses. They will be the sign of our endless friendship Do you remember the first time I brought some flowers for you? I looked a little clown because I didn’t know if you would appreciate my gesture or not. I believed that jewels are a woman’s best friends but, hopefully, this is not true. Now be yourself and enjoy these moments with me. The more I know Phil and Samantha the more I realize how tiny is this flat for us. I should take an appointment to see the penthouse upstairs. I would like to relocate as soon as possible.”

  “But darling we have already made an appointment. We have to see the flat as soon as we come back from London. You told the owner you are very determined to buy it. We will need a signature from both sides and the lawyer will give us the flat within three months.”

  “Yes, it’s true Jill. My emotions overwhelm me.”

  “And I have the funny idea of seeing you as a business associate of Phil.”

  “Why not.? I am a bit embarrassed but I can do it. Anyway, let’s talk about something else. Have you got some suggestions about how we should spend the rest of the day?”

  “Yes, darling. I’d rather go to have a walk in the closest park. You know what?”

  “What?”

  “I don’t know if it’s good to inform Albert, Ravina, Sylvanus, Mark and Rose about our journey to London. They will expect some gift from there.”

  “No, absolutely no. You are so naive. Don’t you think that even our best friends may be jealous of us? This does not mean they are not good friends, though.”

  “I obey you. There are a lot of things I appreciate about you: quiet, lack of laziness and arrogance, lack of unrest, kindness, honesty. The list will never end.”

  “I wouldn’t dare to make a list of your qualities, Jill. Beauty inside and outside from you makes me humble.”

  “I love you Araon. Now hurry up. It’s going to be dark outside. Don’t forget we planned a walk in the grass.”

  “Yes, Jill. I’m ready.”

  They descended the stairs slowly and whispered words of wisdom in St. Luciensteeg. Hand in hand they were the undoubtable couple in love.

  “Samantha, are you still sleeping?”

  “Oh, Phil. I have just woken up. I was so exhausted. The business appointment of yesterday was quite a burden for me. What were you doing while I was asleep?”

  “I was making jokes to Jill and Araon. But I think it’s time to stop it now. They were visibly frightened and that was far from my intentions. I have not the right of intrusion in their life. I already miss them a lot. My brain is dying from starvation of memories. I sort of made a deletion of my past before I met you and, afterwards, Jill and A
raon. I was also watching you asleep in the swimming pool room. What grace!”

  “Yes, Phil. It’s a joy even for me. Now I have unexpected nausea. I don’t know why.”

  “It was the visit from the shark. Let me explain to prevent seeing you stark naked I have provoked images of sharks in the swimming pool while you were sleeping. This to cause in you the desire of having a baby.”

  “But Phil it’s too early now.”

  “OK, I agree with you. Maybe we will have a baby within two years. I also want to be a couple first. As you can see, I have decided to respect your virginity before marriage and this day will come very soon.”

  “Thank you, Phil. This is exactly what I want to hear from you. Let me know about Jill and Araon.”

  “They confirmed to have received the pass for my plane and I managed to bring them here by limousine as requested. I spent some time on the phone with Araon. He is great. They may have considered me a lord of the manor behind all this good-doing. They should not fill their luggage with lot of stuff since I provided to let them have anything needed in their flat in Mayfair.”

  “Sure, they must be in the top of a happy pile. Oh Phil. My nausea is going away now.”

  “So you’d like something to drink.?”

  “Great. I fancy a pint of draught beer. I am not an alcoholic but I drink sometimes.”

  “I’ll call Jane, that pretty little thing. She is so efficient. I reveal to you another secret: I push the button on the deckchair and Jane will be here immediately.”

  Jane was as fast as thunder. She fulfilled her duty as happier as ever to see the couple in seventh heaven. Phil made sure that they wouldn’t need the housekeeper for a while and he allowed Jane to go out and come back at dinner time. “Thank you. I will be here on time,” was the sincere answer from Jane.

  “You see Samantha, I have a sort of bizarre reverence for Jane. She is a very loyal and efficient housekeeper. She can manage to keep the house nice and tidy by herself only. She knows how to do the job. She has her own room upstairs. I will show it to you when she is out. She never locks her door in a sign of respect for me. How can a gentleman be soiled by the ignominious mischief of intruding other people’s privacy? It is a tiny little room with two bathrooms, some bookshelves with a desk, a king size bed, and furniture filled with the most flamboyant dresses. Jane considers it her life-long little apartment and she promised to stay there even if she marries. I have to give her the time to be wooed sometimes. Did you have knowingness about my giving permission to Jane to go out and come back at dinner time?”